AthlonSports.com - Ahmad Bradshawhttp://athlonsports.com/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw
enNew York Giants vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview and Predictionhttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/new-york-giants-vs-baltimore-ravens-preview-and-prediction
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
New York Giants vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview and Prediction&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
The <strong>New York Giants</strong> will try and keep their playoff hopes alive by handing the <strong>Baltimore Ravens</strong> a fourth straight defeat when they meet at 4:25 p.m. ET this afternoon on FOX. The defending Super Bowl champion Giants (8-6) must rebound from last week’s disheartening 34-0 loss in Atlanta if they want to have any chance at a possible repeat, while the Ravens (9-5) would like to turn things around in their quest to win a second straight AFC North crown.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/6760-1/Eli-Manning1.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the New York Giants have the ball:</span></strong><br />
New York’s offense is sixth in the NFL in scoring at 26.6 points per game and 10th in total offense at 364.6 yards per game. The Giants have been fairly balanced on offense, ranking ninth in passing (249.6 ypg) and 15th in rushing (115 ypg). The ground game has been a collaborative effort, as running back Ahmad Bradshaw leads the way with 869 yards rushing, but his inability to stay on the field has presented opportunities to both Andre Brown and rookie David Wilson. Brown, who has a team-high eight rushing touchdowns, broke his leg in Week 10 and won’t be eligible to return until the Super Bowl, if the Giants even make it that far. Wilson has been productive (155 yards rushing last two games) after finally receiving sustained playing time, and he and Bradshaw could provide a productive one-two punch out of the backfield. That would be a huge help to quarterback <strong>Eli Manning</strong>, who has struggled at times during the season and has just 20 touchdown passes compared to 15 interceptions. Manning has several legitimate weapons in wide receivers Victor Cruz (79-1,019-9), Hakeem Nicks (53-692-3) and tight end Martellus Bennett (five TD catches). They just haven’t been able to do as much damage this season compared to last year when Manning had nearly 5,000 yards passing, 29 touchdowns and only 16 picks. The offensive line has done its job keeping Manning’s jersey clean, allowing a league-low 16 sacks, and other than the interceptions, the team has fumbled it away just six times. Turnovers have not been a big issue, as the team’s +13 differential between giveaways and takeaways ranks fourth overall.</p>
<p>
Baltimore’s defense has not been nearly as stout this season as it has in the past. The Ravens, one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses for years, ranks just 26th in total defense, as the unit has given up nearly 375 yards per game. It has done a good job of mitigating the damage, as they are allowing less than 22 points per contest, which places them 13th in the league in that category. The Ravens have been susceptible to both the run (132.2 ypg, 26th) and pass (242.1 ypg, 22nd), as injuries have resulted in several key players, such as Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Lardarius Webb, missing a significant number of games. They are in the middle of the pack when it comes to sacks (32) and have forced a total of 25 (13 INTs, 12 fumbles) turnovers. One other interesting stat to note: the Ravens are tied for first in the NFL in fewest touchdown passes allowed with 13, but 26th in rushing scores surrendered (14).</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/21141-1/Flacco+J.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the Baltimore Ravens have the ball:</span></strong><br />
Baltimore’s offense has had its share of ups and downs throughout the season, one of the reasons why offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was recently relieved of his duties. The Ravens are 21st in the NFL in total offense (339.6 ypg) and 12th in scoring (24.9 ppg). They rank 22nd in rushing offense (105.1 ypg), as Ray Rice has surpassed 1,000 yards for the fourth straight season. Baltimore is 14th in passing offense (234.6 ypg) with quarterback <strong>Joe Flacco</strong> throwing twice as many touchdowns (20) as interceptions (10). Wide receiver Torrey Smith is the team’s deep threat (17.4 ypc, seven TDs), but he needs to be more consistent on a week in, week out basis. Fellow wideout Anquan Boldin is a reliable target for Flacco, as is Rice out of the backfield, while tight end Dennis Pitta is tied with Smith for the team lead in touchdown catches with seven. The offense has done its part in holding on to the ball, as the team has turned it over just 15 times (third-fewest in AFC) so far.</p>
<p>
New York’s defense has been fairly generous this season as it applies to yards allowed, but that hasn’t been the case when it comes to the story on the scoreboard. The Giants rank near the bottom (28th) in total defense at 377.4 yards per game, but are 12th in scoring defense, allowing less than 22 points per contest. Unfortunately, over its last three games, wins over Green Bay and New Orleans and a significant loss to Washington, this unit has seen its yards allowed average to rise to 417 per game. The passing defense (253.7 ypg) has been the biggest culprit and scapegoat this season, but the rushing defense (123.7 ypg, 22nd) has had its own issues. The key for this defense has been in keeping opponents out of the end zone and generating turnovers. Even with all of the yards gained against them, the Giants have yielded just eight rushing touchdowns (tied for sixth-fewest in the NFL) and only 23 touchdown passes. The defense is in the middle of the pack when it comes to sacks (32, tied for 16th), but this unit has forced the third-most turnovers (34) and also is third in the league in interceptions with 20.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Key Factor:</strong></span><br />
Both New York and Baltimore could really use a win here, but for entirely different reasons. The Giants need a victory just to stay alive in the NFC East race, as the defending Super Bowl champions find themselves looking up at both the Redskins and Cowboys with just two games remaining. The Ravens have already clinched a playoff spot, but still have business to take care of to wrap up a second straight AFC North title, and also just need to win to put an end to their current three-game losing streak. The Giants have been in this situation before, as they needed to win their final two games last season just to make the playoffs as the NFC East champions, so this is really nothing new to this veteran team. The Ravens have plenty of experience of their own, but appear to be a team finding its way, especially on offense. That’s never a good sign, but especially this late in the season. So even though the Giants are on the road and have their backs to the wall, I think the reigning champs find a way to get it done against the Ravens, as Eli Manning and the passing attack leads the way to victory. Rookie David Wilson also chips in with a key kickoff return at some point in the second half to set up a critical scoring drive as well.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Prediction:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size:18px;">Giants 27, Ravens 23</span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/baltimore-ravens">Baltimore Ravens</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/eli-manning">Eli Manning</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ray-lewis">Ray Lewis</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/anquan-boldin">Anquan Boldin</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/hakeem-nicks">Hakeem Nicks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/joe-flacco">Joe Flacco</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ray-rice">Ray Rice</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/victor-cruz">Victor Cruz</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/torrey-smith">Torrey Smith</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/terrell-suggs">Terrell Suggs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/martellus-bennett">Martellus Bennett</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/david-wilson">David Wilson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/andre-brown">Andre Brown</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/dennis-pitta">Dennis Pitta</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/lardarius-webb">Lardarius Webb</a></div></div></div>Sun, 23 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000Mark Ross18735 at http://athlonsports.comNew York Giants vs. Washington Redskins Preview and Predictionhttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/new-york-giants-vs-washington-redskins-preview-and-prediction
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins Preview and Prediction&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
The <strong>New York Giants</strong> will try and increase their lead in the NFC East when they face off with the <strong>Washington Redskins</strong> tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The defending Super Bowl champion Giants hold a two-game edge over the Redskins and Cowboys, thanks in part to their 27-23 home win over the Skins back in Week 7. The Redskins, on the other hand, are hoping to make Robert Griffin III’s “Monday Night Football” debut a successful one by stretching their winning streak to three and also gaining some ground on the Giants in the process.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/27292-1/EliManning_001.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the New York Giants have the ball:</span></strong><br />
The New York Giants’ offense ranks among the top 10 in the league in total, scoring and passing offense. The Giants are generating nearly 370 yards (10th), scoring nearly 28 points, and are ninth in passing offense at nearly 255 yards per game. Quarterback <strong>Eli Manning</strong> has struggled somewhat recently, as he’s thrown three touchdown passes and interceptions apiece over his last four games combined. When he’s on his game, however, Manning is one of the best in the league and can team with wide receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks to do a lot of damage. The Giants also are 13th in rushing offense at nearly 115 yards per game, but suffered a big hit last week when backup running back Andre Brown was lost for the rest of the season with a broken leg. The onus falls to starter Ahmad Bradshaw to not only stay healthy, but also to continue to produce. First-round pick David Wilson should also get a chance to contribute, as it’s likely he will finally receive some significant playing time. The G-Men have done a good job of protecting the football (11 INTs, only five fumbles lost) and an exceptional job keeping Manning upright (14 sacks allowed, fewest in NFL).</p>
<p>
Washington’s defense is ranked 28th in the league, as it is giving up an average of 390.5 yards per game. The Redskins can be described as a feast-or-famine type of defense, as they are No. 3 against the run (89.2 ypg), but second-to-last against the pass (301.4 ypg). The yardage allowed has been accompanied by a fair number of points as well, as they are giving up nearly 26 per game (25th in NFL). Pass rush has been an issue for this unit with just 20 sacks (26th), but it also has produced 22 takeaways, including 12 interceptions. Over all, the offense has done more than its part to assist the defense, as evidenced by the 31 points and 458 total yards surrendered to the Cowboys in last week’s 38-31 win on Thanksgiving Day.</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33070-1/RG3_001.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />When the Washington Redskins have the ball:</span></strong><br />
Washington is seventh in the NFL in both total (384.9 ypg) and scoring (26.8 ppg) offense. The Redskins have been clicking on all cylinders these past two weeks as they are averaging nearly 35 points and 400 yards of offense in their past two games, both wins. No. 2 overall pick <strong>Robert Griffin III </strong>has been the driving force for this offense all season long and he has taken it to another level recently. He became the first quarterback in Redskins history with four touchdown passes in consecutive games after dismantling the Cowboys (19-of-27, 304-4-1) on Thanksgiving Day last week. Griffin has been just as dangerous with his legs, however, as he and fellow rookie Alfred Morris have combined to form the league’s top rushing offense (163.5 ypg). Morris is fifth in the league in rushing yards, while Griffin, a quarterback, comes in at No. 21. These two combined for 467 yards of total offense (258 pass, 209 rush) the first time the Redskins and Giants played back in Week 7. While the Redskins may not be able to match up with the Giants’ receiving corps as a whole, they will have a “new” weapon at their disposal this time around. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon missed the first meeting with a foot injury, but he appears to be close to 100 percent after scoring on a 59-yard catch-and-run against the Cowboys last week. Another reason why the Redskins have been so effective on offense is they have committed a total of 10 turnovers. Remember this is an offense with a rookie quarterback and running back primarily handling the ball.</p>
<p>
The New York Giants’ defense has done a good job of bending, but not breaking this season. The Giants are 23rd in the league in yards allowed at 366.6, but are ninth in scoring defense, surrendering 20.5 points per game. The defending Super Bowl champions have had their share of problems stopping both the run (114.0 ypg, 16th) and pass (252.6 ypg, 25th), but have made up for their deficiencies with production in other areas. The G-Men are tied for fifth in the league with 30 sacks and are second only to the Bears in the NFC in takeaways with 29, including 18 interceptions. They also are coming off of a game in which they held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to just 10 points. Rodgers finished with just 219 yards passing and a touchdown, as the Giants picked off the league’s reigning MVP once and sacked him five times.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Key Factor:</strong></span><br />
The Giants have already faced Robert Griffin III once and came away impressed, as the rookie quarterback piled up 359 yards of offense and put the Redskins ahead late in the fourth quarter back in Week 7. The Giants were able to respond thanks to a 77-yard scoring strike to Victor Cruz to pull out the 27-23 win at home on Oct. 21. Now the scene shifts to FedEx Field in RGIII’s “Monday Night Football” debut. The Redskins gave the Giants all they could handle and then some in the first game, out-gaining them 480 to 393 overall and 248 to 64 on the ground alone, and Griffin in particular has maintained his high level of play since that Week 7 meeting. In the four games since, Griffin has completed nearly 63 percent of his passes for 896 yards, nine touchdown passes, to go along with 172 yards rushing and just one turnover (INT). Compare that to the Giants, who dropped their last two games headed into their Week 11 bye as Eli Manning and the offense struggled mightily. In the four games following the win over the Redskins, Manning has completed less than 55 percent of his passes for 781 yards and three touchdowns, while turning it over four times (3 INTs, fumble lost). The good news, however, is that the Giants came out of the bye refreshed and seemingly renewed, much like they did last year in their journey to winning the Super Bowl, and manhandled the Packers 38-10 last week. Manning threw three touchdown passes in that game, and the Giants played mistake-free football whereas they had committed seven turnovers in the previous three games combined. So while Griffin and the Redskins appear to be playing at their best right now, the Giants seem to be back on track as well and they also bring experience and a championship pedigree to this party. And that especially applies when to comes to the respective defenses.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Prediction:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size:18px;">Giants 31, Redskins 23</span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia Eagles</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-52 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Divisions:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-divisions/nfc-east">NFC East</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/eli-manning">Eli Manning</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/hakeem-nicks">Hakeem Nicks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/victor-cruz">Victor Cruz</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/pierre-garcon">Pierre Garcon</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/robert-griffin-iii">Robert Griffin III</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/david-wilson">David Wilson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/alfred-morris">Alfred Morris</a></div></div></div>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000Mark Ross17271 at http://athlonsports.comWeek 12 Injury Updates: Greg Jennings, Ahmad Bradshaw, Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne http://athlonsports.com/fantasy/week-12-injury-updates-greg-jennings-ahmad-bradshaw-blaine-gabbert-chad-henne
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Greg Jennings, Ahmad Bradshaw, Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne Updates&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
No more bye weeks. It’s all up to health and strategy from here on out to get you to a fantasy football championship. Here are some updates on injured players, their status for the Week 12 games or the outlook for their replacements.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="Greg Jennings" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/21398-1/Greg+Jennings+2.jpg " style="width: 200px; height: 261px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" />Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants (Sunday night)</strong></span><br />
Greg Jennings (groin/abdomen) practiced on a limited basis this week and will be a game-time decision tonight. There are three red flags right there: return from injury, game-time decision and Sunday night game. Jennings has not played since Week 4, so expecting much from a receiver coming off a two-month layoff would be asking a lot. The Giants have allowed 12 receivers to have double-digit days in PPR scoring since Jennings went out in Week 4. So it's suffice to say the Packers should be fine without Jennings in that department. Green Bay's defensive injuries might mean a shootout is in order and Jennings could be needed, but those are still quite a few scenarios to try and count on a receiver after eight weeks on the sidelines.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers (Sunday night)</strong></span><br />
Ahmad Bradshaw finally saw the practice field on Friday in a limited capacity, but this has become the norm for the Giants' running back. He is still listed as probable with the foot injury. Since missing Week 3, Bradshaw has played in the following seven games and never dipped below 10 carries. He has carried 129 times for 581 yards (4.5 YPC) and scored three times. The touchdowns are not coming, but the carries are and that still makes him a decent play. He's scored in double digits five times in PPR scoring in the last seven games, and coming off a bye he gets a Packers defense that has allowed three touchdowns and 3.8 YPC to RBs over the last five weeks.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="Blaine Gabbert" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/32765-1/BlaineGabbert_2011_300.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 285px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" />Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne, QBs, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans</strong></span><br />
So Blaine Gabbert gets injured, Chad Henne steps in and throws for 354 yards and four scores on 16-of-33 passing in an overtime loss at Houston last week. The aftermath: Gabbert goes on IR, Henne gets the start and now welcomes a Tennessee team that is ranked 23rd against fantasy QBs. The Titans followed a three-TD, 229-yard performance against Jay Cutler (thanks in large part to the Bears' defense and a short offensive field) by forcing three interceptions, allowing no TDs and surrendering 217 yards to Ryan Tannehill in Miami. Henne is a for-sure play in two-QB leagues, but you'd be hard pressed to start him in standard leagues.</p>
<p>
<br />
— By Corby A. Yarbrough&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough"><a href="http://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough">@Corby_Yarbrough</a> on Twitter</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/green-bay-packers">Green Bay Packers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/jacksonville-jaguars">Jacksonville Jaguars</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/chad-henne">Chad Henne</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/greg-jennings">Greg Jennings</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/blaine-gabbert">Blaine Gabbert</a></div></div></div>Sun, 25 Nov 2012 11:00:18 +0000Corby Yarbrough16830 at http://athlonsports.comInjury Updates Week 10: Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, Tony Romo, Darren Sproleshttp://athlonsports.com/fantasy/week-10-injury-updates-ahmad-bradshaw-andre-brown-tony-romo-darren-sproles
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Injury Updates Week 10: Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, Tony Romo, Darren Sproles &amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
The fantasy season is nearing its postseason. The weeks are winding down; the injuries are piling up. You need to stay ahead of everything in order to make that playoff push. Here’s some information on those that are on the Week 10 injury report or those stepping in for the injured.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="Ahmad Bradshaw" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33783-1/AhmadBradshaw_2011_300.jpg " style="width: 250px; height: 377px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;" />Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, RBs, New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Bengals</strong></span><br />
<strong>Ahmad Bradshaw</strong> (foot) is listed as questionable for today's game against Cincinnati while <strong>Andre Brown</strong>, who left last week's game early with a shoulder injury, is listed as probable due to said injury. <span style="background-color:#ffff00;"><strong>Both will play today. </strong></span>The Bengals rank 26th against running backs in PPR scoring and allow an average of one TD a week to the position. Bradshaw is still going to be your bulk carrier (106 carries the last five games) while Brown has turned into the goal line back/vulture. I'm sticking with the bulk in Bradshaw and not taking the chance on Brown, who after bursting on the scene with back-to-back games of 17 and 28 points in a PPR has averaged 7.3 points in a PPR in the four games since.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles</strong></span><br />
A back injury on the final play of the game against Atlanta last week has not landed Tony Romo on the injury report. Playing against the Eagles might, however. Romo has already been sacked 14 times this season — five times in the last two games — and been intercepted 13 times to 10 TDs thrown with two lost fumbles. Philadelphia is not as ferocious on defense as it used to be, ranking 30th in sacks (11), 15th in interceptions (seven) and 26th in fumble recoveries (three). The Eagles are on a four-game losing streak, allowing 25 points per game during the slide. This is not the Eagles' defense of old, but Romo's decision making is the equalizer. Dallas has no run game to speak of with DeMarco Murray on the shelf and that leaves Romo to guide a one-dimensional offense. If you think the Cowboys will work quickly on offense and try to limit the time Romo is back there, then he is a decent play. If you assume the questionable decisions by Romo and offensive game plan by the coaching staff continues to underwhelm, then look elsewhere today.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color:#ffff00;"><strong>Darren Sproles is out today against Atlanta with the fractured hand</strong> </span>that will sideline him for a second straight game. For those trying to make a playoff push, the loss of the PPR/all-purpose fantasy player is as untimely as it can get. But it is par for the course for how RBs have fared in general in fantasy this season. However, if you survive to the fantasy postseason you should have Sproles back in time. Even missing a game, he is still ranked 19th in total fantasy points amongst RBs in a PPR — and that is with just 117 yards rushing and no scores on the ground. His 39 catches are still most amongst RBs as are his 323 yards and four scores. So if someone has dropped Sproles, go get him now and stash him before the transactions lock for this week.<br />
— By Corby A. Yarbrough <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough"><a href="http://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough">@Corby_Yarbrough</a> on Twitter</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-orleans-saints">New Orleans Saints</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/darren-sproles">Darren Sproles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/tony-romo">Tony Romo</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/andre-brown">Andre Brown</a></div></div></div>Sun, 11 Nov 2012 11:30:05 +0000Corby Yarbrough15596 at http://athlonsports.comInjury Updates Week 9: Darren Sproles, Darren McFadden, Ahmad Bradshawhttp://athlonsports.com/fantasy/week-9-injury-updates-darren-sproles-darren-mcfadden-ahmad-bradshaw
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Injury Updates Week 9: Darren Sproles, Darren McFadden, Ahmad Bradshaw&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
The fantasy season is nearing its postseason. The weeks are winding down; the injuries are piling up. You need to stay ahead of everything in order to make that playoff push. Here’s some information on those that are on the Week 9 injury report or those stepping in for the injured.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="Darren Sproles" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/32771-1/DarrenSproles_2011_300.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 336px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " />Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Monday night)</strong></span><br />
A broken hand has Darren Sproles out indefinitely. If there's any good news, as a selfish fantasy owner writes, is that we don't have to wait until Monday for lineup decisions. The bad news is that we just lost a PPR stud. Yes, it might clear up the Saints' backfield situation a little bit, but I am still not trusting Mark Ingram unless he has regained eligibility at Alabama. Pierre Thomas is clear benefactor here. He has been the team's leading ball carrier each of the last four games, albeit 13 carries is the high watermark in those games. But Sproles had 40 touches in those four games. If Thomas is out there, go get him and at least throw him in as a flex until Sproles' return — if there is a return in time for the fantasy season.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong></span><br />
Well, that was nice to see the return of a first-round pick. McFadden ran for a season-high 114 yards and added four catches for 23 yards against the lowly Chiefs. The problem is: Was it a mirage or is this a sign of things to come? McFadden goes from fantasy's 22nd-ranked team against running backs to its 10th this week in the form of the visiting Buccaneers. That said, Adrian Peterson and Alfred Morris have had 100-yard, scoring days against Tampa Bay as two of five backs to score double digits in PPR. Tampa Bay's 30th-ranked fantasy defense against receivers could open things up for McFadden. He is not going to be worth the first-round pick this season (unless you make the semis or finals when he gets Kansas City again followed by Carolina), but McFadden should be able to provide a few more low-end double-digit days on the way there.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers</strong></span><br />
Ahmad Bradshaw missed Friday's practice with his foot injury, his second missed practice this week. He is listed as questionable for today's late game against the visiting Steelers. It looks like limited practices will be the norm for Bradshaw and the Giants, who rank fifth in fantasy at the RB position. He had 78 yards and no scores on 22 carries last week. Love the carries; hate the lack of points. He has had games of 22, 12, 27, 30 and 13 carries in the last five games. Meanwhile, Andre Brown and David Wilson have combined for 14 carries in that time. If this is what Bradshaw has to do during the week to be good on Sunday, fine by me. Very few backs are getting that kind of work, particularly when the two behind him have been productive this season as well. Yes, the Steelers are fifth against fantasy running backs and have allowed just three scores to the position since Week 3, but roll with Bradshaw and be happy with whatever you get.<br />
— By Corby A. Yarbrough <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough"><a href="http://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough">@Corby_Yarbrough</a> on Twitter</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-orleans-saints">New Orleans Saints</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/darren-sproles">Darren Sproles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/darren-mcfadden">Darren McFadden</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div></div></div>Sun, 04 Nov 2012 10:51:43 +0000Corby Yarbrough15066 at http://athlonsports.comWeek 8 Injury Updates: Pierre Garcon, Santana Moss, Jay Cutler, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, David Wilsonhttp://athlonsports.com/fantasy/week-8-injury-updates-pierre-garcon-leonard-hankerson-santana-moss-jay-cutler-ahmad-bradshaw
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Week 8 Injury Updates: Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, Jay Cutler, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, David Wilson&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
Here we are — the halfway point of the NFL season and six weeks away from the start of the fantasy postseason for many. Injuries are making lineup decisions harder —&nbsp;sometimes easier in the committee world of some positions —&nbsp;and bye weeks leave us scrambling for the best start at some positions. Here are a few updates to hopefully help you make that push toward the fantasy postseason.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="Pierre Garcon" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33737-2/Garcon_Pierre.jpeg" style="width: 200px; height: 161px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " />Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson &amp; Santana Moss, WRs, Washington Redskins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers</strong></span><br />
I told you in this spot last week that <strong>Pierre Garcon should sit until after the Redskins’ Week 10 bye and it looks like that is the best-case scenario.</strong> It is either surgery or rest for Garcon. One would mean the end of the season the other means no fantasy value for you. It is unlikely that Garcon will have any fantasy value left this season and it will fall to <strong>Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss to pick up the slack.</strong> Keep in mind that tight end Fred Davis (Achilles) went down for the year last week and Hankerson and Moss should see a marked fantasy improvement. It might be a coin toss as to who’s more productive week in and week out, but after the Week 10 bye, the Redskins face four teams currently ranked 16th&nbsp;or worse against fantasy receivers. Gut says go with experience: Moss; Upside says go with Hankerson.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<img alt="Jay Cutler" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/25929-1/CutlerFace.jpg" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; width: 200px; height: 261px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " /></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers</strong></span><br />
The rib injury suffered against the Lions on Monday night was worrisome, but<strong> Jay Cutler returned to the game and practiced in full on Thursday and Friday this week. </strong>The ribs are a concern with how much time Cutler usually spends on the run — and the 150 yards and one score against a Lions team that is ranked 13th against fantasy QBs was not encouraging, either. Carolina is 17th&nbsp;in the league with 14 sacks while Chicago is ranked 28th with 19 allowed. However, the Panthers have allowed the last five starting QBs they’ve faced to throw for at least 221 yards and at least one TD while collecting five interceptions. It should also be a good day for Bears RB Matt Forte as the Panthers are ranked 28th&nbsp;against fantasy RBs. But Cutler could easily benefit from that as Carolina has surrendered the most receptions (53) and the second-most receiving yards (417) to opposing running backs.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, David Wilson, RBs, New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys</strong></span><br />
<strong>Ahmad Bradshaw (foot)</strong> <strong>is listed as questionable </strong>after a week in which he missed Friday’s practice and was limited on Wednesday and Thursday. He told reporter “it’s a bone bruise; it may take a while” in regards to his return to a clean bill of health. But we’re in Week 8 of the NFL season; there is no clean bill of health anymore. Fantasy owners have become accustomed to RBBC’s in the NFL. Sometimes injuries to part of that committee leave you with a great play for a couple of weeks, but upon their return the picture is muddled again. Welcome to New York and a number of other teams across the league. The Giants are the ninth-best team in the league in terms of PPR fantasy scoring from their running backs, and everyone has had their day —&nbsp;Bradshaw with five double-digit days, <strong>Andre Brown</strong> with three and rookie <strong>David Wilson</strong> with one. Today, all three face a Cowboys team that has surrendered just three scores to the position and outside of Marshawn Lynch’s 122 yards in Week 2, no back has eclipsed 63 yards since. Bradshaw had 17 carries for 78 yards and a score and two catches for 15 yards in Week 1 against the Cowboys. But that was half a season ago at this point.<br />
— By Corby A. Yarbrough <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough"><a href="http://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough">@Corby_Yarbrough</a> on Twitter</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/santana-moss">Santana Moss</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/jay-cutler">Jay Cutler</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/pierre-garcon">Pierre Garcon</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/david-wilson">David Wilson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/andre-brown">Andre Brown</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/leonard-hankerson">Leonard Hankerson</a></div></div></div>Sun, 28 Oct 2012 10:50:05 +0000Corby Yarbrough14694 at http://athlonsports.comWEEK 7 INJURY UPDATES: Adrian Peterson, DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones, Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brownhttp://athlonsports.com/fantasy/week-7-fantasy-injury-updates-adrian-peterson-demarco-murray-felix-jones-ahmad-bradshaw-andr
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Should you start or sit them?&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
It’s Week 7 and there are six teams with a bye week. The injuries continue to pile up and teams taking a week off are not helping you as lineup decisions are made. Here’s a little info about those that are injured or those replacing the injured that can hopefully help lead you to a fantasy victory this week as you decide who to start.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="Adrian Peterson" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/18643-1/Adrian+peterson+09.jpg " style="width: 150px; height: 196px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " />Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals</strong></span><br />
An ankle injury has Peterson on the injury report and his limited practice seems to be more of a reduction of unnecessary wear and tear. Yes, save those carries for Sundays where fantasy owners want to see him in the end zone — somewhere he has not been since Week 1. This might be the week. Peterson had his best fantasy day of 2011 when these two met in Week 5 last year. He ran for 122 yards and three scores on 29 carries. The Cardinals are ranked 14th against fantasy running backs and have given up production the last two weeks to the position. Two RBBC teams over the last two weeks — St. Louis' Steven Jackson (18-76) and Daryl Richardson (9-35) and Buffalo's C.J. Spiller (12-88-1) and Fred Jackson (16-53-1) — have had over 100 yards on the ground. The Buffalo duo also added nine catches for 52 yards. &nbsp;</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="DeMarco Murray" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/26456-1/MurrayDeMarco.jpg " style="width: 150px; height: 196px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " />DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones, Phillip Tanner, RBs, Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers</strong></span><br />
DeMarco Murray (sprained foot) is out for today's early game against the Panthers. Felix Jones was the must-have on the waiver wire this week. It was a three-part must-have: He gets the start, it's a bye week for some and the Panthers' fantasy run defense. Carolina has allowed double-digit fantasy days in PPR formats in all five games this season. Five backs have had at least 85 yards on the ground; three backs have had at least 40 yards receiving. Jones is the model of inconsistency, much like the team he plays for. But he did have three 100-plus-yard rushing days last season and three 30-plus-yard receiving days. Along with Jones' inconsistency is the fact that he's had just two 20-carry game in five seasons. Phillip Tanner or Lance Dunbar, two former Sun Belt Conference studs, will also be worked in to the mix. This is not what we want to hear, but roll the dice with Jones and take a chance on Tanner in deeeeep leagues.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="Ahmad Bradshaw" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33783-1/AhmadBradshaw_2011_300.jpg " style="width: 150px; height: 226px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " />Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, David Wilson, RBs, New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins</strong></span><br />
Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) sat out Friday's practice but is expected to start against the Redskins in their early game. Andre Brown is expected to be back from his concussion suffered in Week 4. And rookie David Wilson appears to be out of the doghouse of Tom Coughlin after a career-high seven carries for 35 yards last week. Bradshaw has had 57 carries the last two weeks for 316 yards and two scores. The Giants and Eli Manning will be facing a Redskins defense that has allowed at least 24 points in every game this year, allowed all six QBs to throw for at least 299 yards and surrendered 14 TDs through the air versus three to running backs. If Bradshaw goes, you start him because you cannot sit a guy that's gone 57-200-2 the last two weeks. But a three-headed timeshare is the potential against a team the Giants should be able to score on in a multitude of ways. If you're looking for a second Giants RB, lean toward the hot hand in Wilson as Brown is still listed as probable with the concussion.</p>
<p>
<br />
— By Corby A. Yarbrough <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="twitter.com:Corby_Yarbrough"><a href="http://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough">@Corby_Yarbrough</a> on Twitter</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/adrian-peterson">Adrian Peterson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/felix-jones">Felix Jones</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/demarco-murray">DeMarco Murray</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/david-wilson">David Wilson</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/andre-brown">Andre Brown</a></div></div></div>Sun, 21 Oct 2012 10:36:50 +0000Corby Yarbrough14121 at http://athlonsports.comNew York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Predictionhttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/new-york-giants-vs-philadelphia-eagles-preview-and-prediction
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Prediction&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33569-1/LMCCOY-Inset.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 5px; float: right;" />Two teams coming off drastically different Week 3 results will battle tonight when the <strong>Philadelphia Eagles</strong> host the <strong>New York Giants</strong> at 8:20 pm EST on NBC. The defending Super Bowl champions went to Carolina 10 days ago and absolutely dominated the Panthers 36-7. On the other hand, the Eagles traveled to Arizona last Sunday and were blown out by the Cardinals by a 27-6 mark. Philadelphia has owned this rivalry in recent years, winning seven of the last eight contests including a playoff game.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>When the Philadelphia Eagles have the ball:</strong></span><br />
The Philly offense has put up major yardage (1,249) through three games but only has 47 points to show for the effort. The obvious factor in the lack of scoring is turnovers, and the Eagles lead the league with 12. Quarterback Michael Vick was harassed into five sacks and two fumbles against Arizona, and the banged-up Philadelphia offensive line must play better versus New York. The Eagles will need to get elite back <strong>LeSean McCoy</strong> more than the 16 touches he had last week.<br />
<br />
The Giants defense has played decently versus the run but has given up 785 passing yards in three games. The vaunted New York pass rush will look to improve on its six sacks this season, but the Giants do have six interceptions on the year. The key against Philadelphia will be stopping McCoy on the ground and forcing Vick into more mistakes and turnovers.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>When the New York Giants have the ball:</strong></span><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33324-1/EliManning-Inset.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 5px; float: right;" /><br />
Quarterback <strong>Eli Manning</strong> already has 1,011 passing yards, and he has found some new weapons this season. Tight end Martellus Bennett has 15 receptions and three touchdowns on the year, and backup receiver Ramses Barden got the start in place of ailing wideout Hakeem Nicks (also out tonight) against Carolina and tallied nine catches for 138 yards. New York also had a big-time performance against the Panthers from backup running back Andre Brown, who produced 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns filling in for the injured Ahmad Bradshaw.<br />
<br />
The Philly defense ranks fifth in the NFL, including third-best in the league against the pass. The Eagles allowed only 29 rushing yards in last November’s win over the G-men, and they will need a repeat performance on Sunday night. If Juan Castillo’s group can stop the New York running attack, then it will have an opportunity to harass Manning. The Eagles have five interceptions and seven sacks this season, and they will need to force the Giants into a lack of balance.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Key Factor:</span></strong><br />
This divisional battle should be a tight contest, and winning the turnover battle will be critical. The Eagles have been able to move the ball all season, but the giveaways have to stop to stay in the NFC East race. Manning has been solid through the three games, but the Eagles pass defense will provide a major challenge. We’ll go with Eagles to protect the ball and win a close one in front of a raucous Philadelphia crowd.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Prediction:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size:18px;">Eagles 27 Giants 24</span><br />
<br />
<br />
---<em>By Patrick Snow</em> (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/AthlonSnowman" target="_blank"><a href="http://twitter.com/AthlonSnowman">@AthlonSnowman</a></a>)</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia Eagles</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-52 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Divisions:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-divisions/nfc-east">NFC East</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/eli-manning">Eli Manning</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/michael-vick">Michael Vick</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/lesean-mccoy">LeSean McCoy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/hakeem-nicks">Hakeem Nicks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/andre-brown">Andre Brown</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ramses-barden">Ramses Barden</a></div></div></div>Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:15:05 +0000Patrick Snow12662 at http://athlonsports.comInjury updates Week 4: Ahmad Bradshaw, Jonathan Stewart, Jacob Tamme http://athlonsports.com/fantasy/injury-updates-week-4-ahmad-bradshaw-jonathan-stewart-jacob-tamme
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
There are a few key fantasy contributors that have had a number of injury question marks surrounding their playing status leading up to Week 4 of the 2012 NFL season. Here’s a little bit about these three and what you should consider.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants RB vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday night)</strong></span></p>
<p>
<strong><img alt="Ahmad Bradshaw" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/32807-2/AhmadBradshaw_2011_300.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 436px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " />Ahmad Bradshaw is set to return </strong>from a game-and-a-half hiatus after a bulging disk in his neck sidelined the Giants No. 1 running back. In his sted, Andre Brown has looked more than capable of holding down the starting job —&nbsp;184 yards, three scores and five catches for 36 yards.</p>
<p>
Well, great. A No. 1 back already with an injury history, a journeyman back that has made due in his short time as the No. 1 and a Sunday night game.</p>
<p>
What do the Giants do with two healthy, productive backs? What do you do with the two backs in your lineup?</p>
<p>
Well, first the matchup. The Giants’ defense is taking on Michael Vick, who has looked terrible so far this season and has been more than willing to turn the ball over to the Giants. The Giants love to pass the ball —&nbsp;no matter who’s in or out of the lineup —&nbsp;and for the most part the Eagles have been pretty good at defending that the last year-plus.</p>
<p>
So it is back to what do the Giants do with two healthy backs?</p>
<p>
Last year when it was Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs — or D.J. Ware in Bradshaw’s absence — let’s just say it was not fun fantasy.</p>
<p>
Only four times when both Bradshaw and Jacobs were in together (10 games) did one of the two get over 16 carries. Bradshaw led on three such occasions — 17-4, 26-5 and 16-7 — and Jacobs once at 19-8.</p>
<p>
Bradshaw did lead in carries in all but two games in which they played together, and when he did Jacobs was relegated to nine or less carries each of those eight times.</p>
<p>
The bright side for Bradshaw last season was that he still had 10 double-digit fantasy days. The dark side is that Brown certainly brings something different than Jacobs did last year.</p>
<p>
This is a tough call to make, particularly with it being a Sunday night game.</p>
<p>
I would still roll with Brown for one week on the assumption Bradshaw is eased back in and hope for the best. This would almost be a show-me game to see how Bradshaw looks and if he blows up, oh well, you know he’s back and pop in the lineup for Week 5.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Jonathan Stewart, Carolina RB vs. Atlanta Falcons</strong></span></p>
<p>
<img alt="Jonathan Stewart" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/32345-1/JonathanStewart_2011_332.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 186px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right; " />Much like the Giants’ running back situation, two healthy backs is not necessarily a good thing in regards to fantasy.</p>
<p>
<strong>Jonathan Stewart has battled a toe injury and that’s about as non-knee related bad as it can get for a running back.</strong> He’s great when he plays but he also has DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert to contend with, in addition to QB Cam Newton running the ball.</p>
<p>
This offense looked miserable last Thursday against the Giants and the Falcons don’t offer much of a reprieve.</p>
<p>
But back to the usage of backs.</p>
<p>
Stewart played in all 16 games last season, starting three and carrying 142 times for 761 yards and four scores. His 47 catches for 413 yards and a score made the low carries somewhat tolerable. Williams played in 16, started in 14 and had 155 carries for 836 yards and seven scores. He added 16 catches for 135 yards. Then the team adds Tolbert, the TD vulture/replacement for whichever of the starters inevitably goes down.</p>
<p>
I have never drafted any of these three in any league in any year and I am in eight leagues per season. I just don’t want to deal with headaches like this. And now we add the fact that they take on a Falcons team that actually knows how to play defense now.</p>
<p>
Willis McGahee’s 25.4 points in PPR leagues makes him the only back to go above 12 points this season against the Falcons, and it took him getting 24 of Denver’s 30 RB touches to do that.</p>
<p>
It’s hard to picture Carolina hanging around for long in this one, and it’s hard to picture any one of these three backs being a factor. You might get an early score or a very late score from one, but wouldn’t you rather trust someone that can continue to produce in the middle 30 minutes?</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Jacob Tamme, Denver Broncos TE vs. Oakland Raiders</strong></span></p>
<p>
OK, when I saw Jacob Tamme go down against the Texans last week and there was a tear in his sock I thought for sure that was a bone coming through. I watched that thing on the DVR like the Zapruder film. There was no tear in the sock when he ran the route and when the play ended, he was hurt and there was a tear in the sock.</p>
<p>
Move along further in the game, and Tamme was out there when the Broncos made their last-ditch effort with the multiple laterals on the final play and it was Tamme who last touched the ball. I went from thinking: “Did I just see an <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGhakYY5VPg" target="_blank">L.T.-Theismann injury</a>?" To "does Tamme lose points for touching the last lateral?”</p>
<p>
When it was all said and done, Tamme ends up on the injury report this week as probable with a groin injury. <strong>He is likely to play</strong> and is getting looks from QB Peyton Manning; he just isn’t doing anything with said looks.</p>
<p>
The concern of whether you should’ve drafted Tamme or Joel Dreessen is no longer an issue. Tamme has 19 targets (13<sup>th</sup> in the league) to Dreessen’s nine. However, Tamme only has 10 catches for 87 yards and a score this season.</p>
<p>
Old man Brandon Stokley is a problem as he is getting in the way of more production for Tamme and Eric Decker, but unless you’ve already gone to the wire and picked up Martellus Bennett, Brent Celek or Thursday night bust, Dennis Pitta, then there’s really nowhere you can go at tight end.</p>
<p>
<strong>If Tamme is playing you play him and take solace in the fact that the Broncos take on a Raiders team that is 23<sup>rd</sup> against fantasy tight ends with 19 catches for 263 yards and a score. &nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
— Corby A. Yarbrough <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough" target="_blank"><a href="http://twitter.com/Corby_Yarbrough">@Corby_Yarbrough</a> on Twitter</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/jonathan-stewart">Jonathan Stewart</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/jacob-tamme">Jacob Tamme</a></div></div></div>Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:04:16 +0000Corby Yarbrough12657 at http://athlonsports.comNY Giants Beat the Carolina Panthers in Charlottehttp://athlonsports.com/nfl/giants-pummel-panthers-charlotte
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Giants Pummel the Panthers in Charlotte&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/33324-1/EliManning-Inset.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 287px; margin: 5px; float: right;" />The defending Super Bowl champions took the ‘next man up’ concept to another level on Thursday night. Despite missing three key offensive starters, the <strong>New York Giants</strong> throttled the <strong>Carolina Panthers</strong>, 36-7, in a game that was never close. The G-men jumped out to a 20-0 halftime lead and never looked back. New York tailback Andre Brown, filling in for the injured Ahmad Bradshaw, had a stellar performance with 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, backup receiver Ramses Barden got the start in place of ailing wideout Hakeem Nicks and produced nine catches for 138 yards. <strong>Eli Manning</strong> had a very efficient night in completing 27-of-35 passes for 288 yards and a score to tight end Martellus Bennett.<br />
<br />
Cam Newton and the Panthers were coming off an excellent offensive game in their win over the Saints last Sunday, but the star Carolina quarterback struggled all night against the New York defense. Newton was held to 242 passing yards and just six yards on the ground while being intercepted three times. Giants linebacker Michael Boley had one of those pilfers, making it his third straight game with an interception. The New York defenders showed great resolve in bouncing back from subpar performances against the Cowboys and Buccaneers to dominate Carolina.<br />
<br />
The Giants will now have some time to heal before traveling to Philadelphia on September 30 to battle the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The Panthers will try to regroup as they prepare for a tough road trip to Atlanta in 10 days.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/new-york-giants">New York Giants</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-52 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Divisions:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-divisions/nfc">NFC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/eli-manning">Eli Manning</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/cam-newton">Cam Newton</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/hakeem-nicks">Hakeem Nicks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ahmad-bradshaw">Ahmad Bradshaw</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/martellus-bennett">Martellus Bennett</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/andre-brown">Andre Brown</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/ramses-barden">Ramses Barden</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/michael-bolry">Michael Bolry</a></div></div></div>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:45:56 +0000Patrick Snow12492 at http://athlonsports.com